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Friday, April 19, 2019

Blog Tour: Review of Before She was Found by Heather Gudenkauf

Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Publisher: Park Row; Original edition 
Date of publication: April 16, 2019

A gripping thriller about three young girlfriends, a dark obsession and a chilling crime that shakes up a quiet Iowa town

For twelve-year-old Cora Landry and her friends Violet and Jordyn, it was supposed to be an ordinary sleepover—movies and Ouija and talking about boys. But when they decide to sneak out to go to the abandoned rail yard on the outskirts of town, little do they know that their innocent games will have dangerous consequences.

Later that night, Cora Landry is discovered on the tracks, bloody and clinging to life, her friends nowhere to be found. Soon their small rural town is thrust into a maelstrom. Who would want to hurt a young girl like Cora—and why? In an investigation that leaves no stone unturned, everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted—not even those closest to Cora.

Before She Was Found is a timely and gripping thriller about friendship and betrayal, about the power of social pressure and the price of needing to fit in. It is about the great lengths a parent will go to protect their child and keep them safe—even if that means burying the truth, no matter the cost.


I am  always on the hunt for a good thriller.  I had high hopes for Before She was Found.   Three girls sneak out of a hosue and one ends up bloody, one runs away, and the other is rendered speechless. The beginning started out well and sucked me into the story.  But I have to confess, it started fizzling out for me about halfway through.  The book is told through multiple perspectives, diary entries and medical notes.  I think that may have been the biggest problem for me.  Too many voices got a little dull.  I felt for Cora the most as she had little self esteem and was picked on pretty ruthlessly.  But the rest of the characters pretty much blended together.  I didn't like the ending as it was a little too wrapped up in a nice bow and was fairly unrealistic.  It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't a thrilling thriller either.  I think fans of this author will enjoy this story.



Purchase Links




About Heather Gudenkauf


Heather Gudenkauf is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Weight of Silence and Not a Sound.  Heather lives in Iowa with her family.

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Connect with Heather
Excerpts:
Monday, April 1st: The Lit Bitch
Tuesday, April 2nd: Lindsey Reads and Reviews
Wednesday, April 3rd: Jessicamap Reviews
Thursday, April 4th: Amy’s Book-et List
Friday, April 5th: Books & Spoons
Monday, April 8th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy
Tuesday, April 9th: What is That Book About
Wednesday, April 10th: Bookish Connoisseur
Thursday, April 11th: Thoughts on This ‘n That
Friday, April 12th: Lori’s Reading Corner

Instagram:
Monday, April 15th: @theunreadshelf
Monday, April 15th: @wherethereadergrows
Tuesday, April 16th: @bookstackedblonde
Tuesday, April 16th: @tarheelreaders
Wednesday, April 17th: @bookclubwithbite
Thursday, April 18th: @readingbetweenthe_wines
Thursday, April 18th: @ashareads
Friday, April 19th: @shereadswithcats
Saturday, April 20th: @readingwithmere
Sunday, April 21st: @love_my_dane_dolly_

Reviews:
Monday, April 15th: Where the Reader Grows
Tuesday, April 16th: Tar Heel Readers
Wednesday, April 17th: Sweet Southern Home
Thursday, April 18th: Asha Reads
Friday, April 19th: From the TBR Pile
Monday, April 22nd: Palmer’s Page Turners
Monday, April 22nd: @basicbsguide
Tuesday, April 23rd: Book Reviews and More by Kathy
Thursday, April 25th: Bewitched Bookworms
Friday, April 26th: Helen’s Book Blog
Monday, April 29th: Amy’s Book-et List
Tuesday, April 30th: Jessicamap Reviews and @jessicamap
Wednesday, May 1st: @downtogetthefictionon
Wednesday, May 1st: Jathan & Heather
Thursday, May 2nd: Books & Bindings
Friday, May 3rd: @bookishconnoisseur
Monday, May 6th: Thoughts on This ‘n That
Monday, May 6th: @booktimistic and Booktimistic
Tuesday, May 7th: Novel Gossip and @novelgossip
Wednesday, May 8th: Book by Book
Wednesday, May 8th: @wordsinpages
Thursday, May 9th: Kahakai Kitchen
Friday, May 10th: Girl Who Reads


1 comment:

Sara Strand said...

Thanks for being on the tour.

Sara @ TLC Book Tours